Dr Max Glatt (1912-2002)

Max Glatt, who has died aged 90, was one of the pioneers in the
treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug addicts. Perhaps more than anyone else, he was responsible for a change in attitude - from one that regarded alcoholics as nuisances to one that
saw them as patients requiring treatment.

In 1952, he set up the first NHS unit for the treatment of alcoholism at Warlingham
Park Hospital in Croydon. In 1962 he set up a unit for the treatment of both alcoholism and drug addiction at St Bernards Hospital, in Ealing, west London, a unit that is now called the Max Glatt
Centre. Both units as well as further centres, private and NHS, in which he was involved were run on group lines on therapeutic community principles.

He was a quiet, modest and gentle person with a sharp sense of humour and an
infectious smile. He was deeply religious, devoted to his wife and family and of course to his work.

In his letter to The Lancet in 1975, he wrote about a group of alcoholic doctors who
met once a month in London, the early meetings of, what was to become, The British Doctors and dentist Group......

Sir,

Problem drinking among doctors - an issue raised in your columns - in our experience constitutes an occupational hazard, its frequency among doctors certainly speaks little for the education of
medical undergraduates in what should often be a preventable condition. The likelihood that there must be at present many doctors with alcoholism who do not present themselves for treatment is the
more regrettable, since in our experience such doctors, with adequate treatment, often do very well. Moreover, recovered doctors can often be of the greatest assistance to other alcoholics.
Corresponding to the complaint frequently heard from alcoholics - though probably often unjustified - that their doctor seems to care little for the sufferers from this condition, alcoholic doctors
themselves sometimes complain that their non- alcoholic partners do not understand this problem. On the other hand, it is only fair to report that not only wives of alcoholic medical men but also
general practitioners with an alcoholic partner often ask in desperation how they can motivate their alcoholic husband or colleague to present himself for treatment. For some reason or other,
alcoholic doctors often apparently shy away from asking a doctor for help and from attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings - though many alcoholic doctors participate closely and successfully in
A.A.

Under the circumstances, it is very promising that a number of recovered alcoholic doctors have lately formed a group who meet once a month in London, and who are expanding their membership. Not
unexpectedly, some alcoholic doctors find it easier to attend these meetings than ordinary Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, in the knowledge that all those attending it are professional men who had or
still have, to face similar problems. There is thus no fear of others sitting in judgement or talking down to the newcomer, who can but receive very helpful, constructive advice and support from
colleagues who because of their own experiences, are in full empathy. Those doctors who started this group also continue to attend meetings of AA and encourage newcomers to join it. and the group is
in touch with the "international Doctors in AA" body (founded in 1949). However, though obviously not in competition with or a substitute for AA the group is quite independent. Many doctors concerned
about their drinking problem should find this doctors' group extremely helpful. Any doctor with a drinking problem who is interested is invited to write to the undersigned (obviously in the strictest
confidence), and he will be put in touch immediately with a member of the group.